The Humane Society of the United States has sent a letter to New Site Police Department Chief John McKelvie, thanking him for the seriousness with which he pursued charges in a recent animal cruelty case stemming from an incident at a local school.

Mindy Gilbert, The HSUS’ Alabama state director, said in the letter that she appreciated the chief’s prompt response to reports that a kitten was tortured at Horseshoe Bend School, and that he pursued charges despite comments made by school officials that the reported victim “was just a kitten.”

“We appreciate your recognition that cruelty to animals is a serious crime that warrants the attention of law enforcement. Without strict intervention, people who torture or kill animals are far more likely to behave violently toward humans,” Gilbert said in the letter. “Strict intervention is particularly essential in animal cruelty cases where juveniles are allegedly involved.”

The HSUS raises public awareness and educates communities about the connection between animal cruelty and human violence while providing a variety of resources to law enforcement agencies, social work professionals, educators, legislators and families. The HSUS offers rewards in animal cruelty cases across the country and works to strengthen laws against animal cruelty.

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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization – backed by 11 million Americans, or one of every 28. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty -- On the web at humanesociety.org.

Membership

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Contributions to The Humane Society of the United States are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. The HSUS's tax identification number is 53-0225390.